The General Authority for Real Estate's September 2026 report revealed a notable divergence in real estate transaction performance, with a decline in the number of residential and non-residential deals compared to August, and a decrease in the value of residential transactions, while non-residential transactions saw a strong monthly increase. The data also showed a decrease in the average traded area and the average transaction value, coinciding with a decline in rental activity on a monthly basis, despite recording positive annual growth rates in several indicators.
In terms of geographical distribution, the Riyadh region led in the number of real estate transactions , while the Makkah region ranked first in terms of total transaction value. The report also highlighted mixed trends in real estate brokerage licenses and contracts, along with a decrease in sales and rental advertisements compared to the previous month, according to official data from the General Authority for Real Estate.
First: A decline in residential and non-residential real estate transactions
The Saudi real estate market recorded a decrease in the number of transactions during September 2026 compared to August, as the number of residential transactions declined to 19,911 transactions, compared to 21,840 transactions in the previous month, with a monthly decrease of 9%, while the annual decrease reached 13% compared to September 2025, which recorded 22,794 transactions.
The decline extended to non-residential transactions, which fell to 2,080 transactions, compared to 2,190 transactions in August, a monthly decrease of 5%, while the annual decrease was 13% compared to 2,402 transactions in September of last year.
In terms of transaction value, residential real estate transactions reached approximately SAR 14.94 billion in September, compared to SAR 17.90 billion in August, representing a monthly decrease of SAR 171 TP3T. The value also declined by SAR 191 TP3T year-on-year, compared to approximately SAR 18.41 billion in September 2025.
Conversely, the value of non-residential transactions rose to approximately SAR 12.83 billion, compared to around SAR 6.51 billion in August, representing a monthly growth of 971 TP3T. Despite this surge, the value remained lower than its level recorded in September 2025, which was approximately SAR 15.18 billion, reflecting an annual decrease of 151 TP3T.
These indicators reflect the different trends in the number and value of transactions between residential and non-residential activities; the number of transactions in both has declined, while the value of non-residential transactions has recorded a significant monthly increase.
Second: A decrease in the average traded area and transaction value
September data showed a decline in the average traded area in the real estate market, both in residential and non-residential activity.
In the residential sector, the average traded area decreased to 392 square meters, compared to 408 square meters in August, with a monthly decrease of 4%, while it recorded an annual decrease of 7% compared to 423 square meters in September 2025.
The average area traded in non-residential transactions fell to 22,349 square meters, compared to 28,908 square meters in August, a monthly decrease of 231,000 square meters. On an annual basis, the average decreased by 291,000 square meters compared to 31,353 square meters in September of last year.
In parallel with the decline in areas, the average value of a residential transaction decreased to about 656,898 riyals, compared to 686,324 riyals in August, with a monthly decrease of 4%, while the annual decrease amounted to 13% compared to 751,302 riyals in September 2025.
The average value of a non-residential transaction also declined to about 1.84 million riyals, compared to 2.07 million riyals in the previous month, with a monthly decrease of 11% and an annual decrease of 19% compared to about 2.27 million riyals in September 2025.
Third: Land leads residential transactions despite a decline in trading.
Data on residential real estate asset trading showed a disparity in the performance of property types during September, with a decrease in the number of transactions in land, duplexes, apartments and villas, compared to an increase in transactions executed on floors.
Land transactions totaled 10,219 during the month, compared to 11,653 transactions in August, a monthly decrease of 12%, while the annual decrease reached 23% compared to 13,186 transactions in September 2025.
The number of duplex transactions decreased to 751, compared to 782 in August, a monthly decrease of 4%, while the annual decrease was 32% compared to 1,098 transactions in September 2025.
In contrast, the number of deals in the round rose to 1,207, compared to 972 deals in August, with a monthly growth of 24%, and also recorded an annual growth of 73% compared to 697 deals in September of last year.
As for apartments, the number of transactions decreased to 4,698, compared to 5,051 in August, with a monthly decrease of 7% and an annual decrease of 13% compared to 5,423 transactions in September 2025.
Villas recorded 1,965 transactions, compared to 2,248 transactions in August, a monthly decrease of 13%, despite the number of transactions increasing by 12% on an annual basis compared to 1,756 transactions in September 2025.
As for the other real estate category, the number of transactions reached 1,071, compared to 1,134 in August, a monthly decrease of 6%, while the number increased by 69% on an annual basis compared to 634 transactions in September 2025.
Fourth: The value of land transactions is declining, while the role of the state is recording growth.
Regarding the value of residential transactions, the value of land transactions declined to about 6.42 billion riyals in September, compared to 7.81 billion riyals in August, with a monthly decrease of 18%, while it recorded an annual decrease of 32% compared to about 9.48 billion riyals in September 2025.
The value of duplex transactions decreased to approximately 876.1 million riyals, compared to 932.8 million riyals in the previous month, with a monthly decrease of 6% and an annual decrease of 31% compared to approximately 1.28 billion riyals in September 2025.
In contrast, the value of real estate deals rose to approximately 923.7 million riyals, compared to 821.3 million riyals in August, with a monthly growth of 12%, and also recorded an annual increase of 42% compared to approximately 649 million riyals in September 2025.
Apartment transactions amounted to approximately 2.89 billion riyals, compared to 3.15 billion riyals in August, a monthly decrease of 8%, while it decreased by 21% annually compared to approximately 3.64 billion riyals in September 2025.
As for villas, the value of their transactions recorded about 2.65 billion riyals, compared to 3.03 billion riyals in August, with a monthly decrease of 131 TP3T, and an annual decrease of 51 TP3T compared to about 2.78 billion riyals in September 2025.
In the other real estate category, transactions totaled approximately SAR 1.19 billion, compared to SAR 2.17 billion in August, representing a monthly decrease of 451 TP3T. On an annual basis, the value increased by 1021 TP3T compared to approximately SAR 588.5 million in September 2025.
Fifth: The difference in average areas between land plots and residential units
The average area of traded land recorded about 535 square meters during September, compared to 546 square meters in August, a monthly decrease of 2%, and an annual decrease of 4% compared to 560 square meters in September 2025.
In contrast, the average duplex area rose to 295 square meters, compared to 290 square meters in August, with a monthly growth of 2% and an annual increase of 4% compared to 284 square meters in September 2025.
The average floor area decreased to 187 square meters, compared to 205 square meters in August, with a monthly decrease of 9% and an annual decrease of 8% compared to 202 square meters in September 2025. The average apartment area also decreased to 156 square meters, compared to 160 square meters in August, with a monthly decrease of 3% and the same annual decrease compared to 161 square meters in September 2025.
The average villa area remained unchanged at 463 square meters on a monthly basis, compared to the same level in August, while it increased by 18% compared to 391 square meters in September 2025.
As for properties classified under the “other” category, their average area rose to 261 square meters, compared to 232 square meters in August, with a monthly growth of 13%, despite a yearly decline of 38% compared to 418 square meters in September 2025.
Sixth: The average transaction value varies depending on the type of property.
The average value of a land transaction declined to approximately SAR 477,811 during September, compared to SAR 525,793 in August, representing a monthly decrease of 9% and an annual decrease of 23% compared to SAR 616,875 in September 2025. The average value of a duplex transaction remained stable at approximately SAR 1.17 million, compared to approximately SAR 1.17 million in August, with no significant monthly change, while it recorded an annual increase of 1% compared to approximately SAR 1.15 million in September 2025.
The average value of a house transaction decreased to approximately 742,584 riyals, compared to 825,918 riyals in August, with a monthly decrease of 10% and an annual decrease of 18% compared to approximately 900,102 riyals in September 2025.
The average value of apartment transactions also declined to about 615,690 riyals, compared to 628,750 riyals in August, a monthly decrease of 2%, and an annual decrease of 10% compared to about 684,054 riyals in September 2025.
In contrast, the average value of villa transactions rose to about 1.32 million riyals, compared to about 1.30 million riyals in August, with a monthly growth of 1%, despite a yearly decrease of 17% compared to about 1.58 million riyals in September 2025.
The average value of other real estate transactions reached approximately 759,842 riyals, compared to 815,347 riyals in August, a monthly decrease of 7%, while it recorded an annual increase of 14% compared to approximately 669,195 riyals in September 2025.
The bulletin explains that the average transaction value and the average traded areas are calculated according to a statistical methodology for processing data, and the average transaction value does not represent the result of directly dividing the total value of transactions by their number during the month.
Seventh: The rental market is declining monthly despite annual growth.
Rental activity in Saudi Arabia recorded a monthly decrease in the number and value of contracts and transactions during September 2026, while the annual comparison remained positive in most of the indicators included in the bulletin.
The number of residential lease contracts fell to 284,272 contracts, compared to 309,032 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 8%, despite an increase of 36% compared to 209,482 contracts in September 2025.
The number of non-residential leases also declined to 68,817 contracts, compared to 72,887 contracts in the previous month, a monthly decrease of 6%, while the number increased annually by 38% compared to 49,791 contracts in September 2025.
Regarding the number of rental transactions, residential transactions decreased to 314,985 transactions, compared to 343,723 transactions in August, a monthly decrease of 8%, but it recorded an annual increase of 36% compared to 230,973 transactions in September 2025.
Non-residential rental transactions declined to 98,850 transactions, compared to 102,580 transactions in August, a monthly decrease of 4%, while they increased by 40% compared to 70,735 transactions in September 2025.
As for the value of residential rental transactions, it decreased to about 5.30 billion riyals, compared to 5.59 billion riyals in August, with a monthly decrease of 5%, but it recorded an annual growth of 19% compared to about 4.45 billion riyals in September 2025.
In the non-residential sector, the value of rental transactions reached approximately 4.09 billion riyals, compared to 5.03 billion riyals in August, a monthly decrease of 191 TP3T, despite an annual increase of 171 TP3T compared to approximately 3.49 billion riyals in September 2025.
The bulletin distinguishes between the number of lease contracts, which represents the number of contracts during the calculation period regardless of the number of units included in the contract, and the number of lease transactions, which represents the number of real estate units included in the contracts, with each unit being counted as an independent transaction.
Eighth: Riyadh leads in the number of deals, while Mecca leads in value.
Regional data showed a disparity in the performance of the real estate market between administrative regions during September 2026, with Riyadh leading the regions in terms of the number of real estate transactions, while Makkah led in the value of transactions.
Riyadh ranks first in terms of the number of deals.
Riyadh region recorded 6,447 real estate transactions during September, equivalent to 29% of the total transactions, ranking first among administrative regions.
The Makkah region came in second place with 4,667 transactions, accounting for 21% of the total, followed by the Eastern region with 3,362 transactions representing 15%.
The Qassim region recorded 1,747 transactions, equivalent to 8%, while the transactions in the Madinah region amounted to 1,204 transactions, representing 5% of the total.
The total number of transactions in these five regions amounted to 17,427 transactions, equivalent to 79,25% of the total real estate transactions during September 2026.
Makkah leads in real estate transaction value
In terms of value, the Makkah region topped the list with approximately 10.47 billion riyals, accounting for 38% of the total value of real estate transactions.
The Riyadh region came in second place with a value of about 9.06 billion riyals, representing 33% of the total, followed by the Eastern region with about 4.72 billion riyals, equivalent to 17%.
The Madinah region recorded a value of deals amounting to approximately 1.32 billion riyals, representing 5% of the total, while the value of deals in the Qassim region amounted to approximately 524.1 million riyals, with a share of approximately 2%.
The total value of transactions in the five regions amounted to approximately 26.09 billion riyals, equivalent to 93.95% of the total value of real estate transactions recorded during September.
Ninth: Riyadh leads in rental deals and their value
Riyadh's leading position extended to the rental market, as it recorded the highest number of rental transactions and their largest value during September 2026.
The number of rental transactions in Riyadh reached 133,835 transactions, representing 32% of the total, followed by the Makkah region with 107,101 transactions, with a share of 26%, then the Eastern region with 65,737 transactions, equivalent to 16%.
Madinah recorded 23,069 rental transactions, representing 6% of the total, while rental transactions in the Asir region amounted to 19,854 transactions, with a share of 5%.
The total number of rental transactions in the five regions reached 349,596 transactions, equivalent to 84,48% of the total rental transactions during September.
As for the value of rental transactions, the Riyadh region reached approximately 3.90 billion riyals, accounting for 421 TP3T of the total. Makkah came in second with a value of approximately 2.43 billion riyals and a share of 261 TP3T, followed by the Eastern Province with approximately 1.38 billion riyals, representing 151 TP3T.
Madinah recorded rental transactions worth approximately 443.4 million riyals, with a share of 5%, while the value in the Asir region amounted to approximately 308.5 million riyals, equivalent to 3%.
The total value of rental transactions in the five regions amounted to approximately 8.46 billion riyals, representing 90.15% of the total value of rental transactions during the month.
Tenth: A decline in the number of real estate brokerage activity licenses
Real estate market regulation data showed a monthly decrease in the number of real estate brokerage licenses issued during September 2026, with varying annual changes across different activities. The figures include both newly issued and renewed licenses.
The number of property management facility licenses decreased to 141, compared to 221 in August, a monthly decline of 36%, despite the number increasing by 5% compared to 134 licenses in September 2025.
The number of facility management licenses also declined to 23 licenses, compared to 29 licenses in August, a monthly decrease of 21%, while the number recorded an annual increase of 53% compared to 15 licenses in September 2025.
In the real estate brokerage and marketing activity, the number of licenses granted to individuals decreased to 4,013 licenses, compared to 9,818 licenses in August, with a monthly decrease of 59%, and an annual decrease of 14% compared to 4,674 licenses in September 2025.
Licenses for establishments in the real estate brokerage and marketing activity also declined to 2,180 licenses, compared to 3,044 licenses in August, with a monthly decrease of 28%, and an annual decrease of 23% compared to 2,839 licenses in September 2025.
In the real estate consulting and analysis activity, the number of licenses granted to individuals increased to five licenses, compared to one license in August, with a monthly growth of 400%, despite the number decreasing by 38% annually compared to eight licenses in September 2025.
As for the licenses for establishments in the same activity, they declined to one license, compared to three licenses in August, with a monthly decrease of 67%, and an annual decrease of 50% compared to two licenses in September 2025.
In the real estate auction sector, the number of establishment licenses decreased to 78 licenses, compared to 95 licenses in August, with a monthly decrease of 18%, and an annual decrease of 8% compared to 85 licenses in September 2025.
Eleventh: Discrepancies in real estate brokerage contracts
Real estate brokerage contracts recorded different trends depending on the type of activity and the beneficiary category, as some contracts decreased on a monthly basis, while others increased, with varying annual change rates.
In sales brokerage, the number of contracts for individuals was 301 contracts in September, compared to 349 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 14%, although the number increased annually by 12% compared to 268 contracts in September 2025.
Conversely, the number of sales brokerage contracts for establishments rose to 347 contracts, compared to 341 contracts in August, with a monthly growth of 2%, and an annual increase of 8% compared to 321 contracts in September 2025.
In leasing brokerage, the number of contracts for individuals decreased to 231 contracts, compared to 272 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 15%, despite an annual increase of 7% compared to 215 contracts in September 2025.
As for the lease brokerage contracts for facilities, they rose to 302 contracts, compared to 272 contracts in August, with a monthly growth of 11%, and an annual increase of 6% compared to 286 contracts in September 2025.
In marketing intermediation, individual contracts were recorded at 1,891 contracts, compared to 1,936 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 2%, and an annual decrease of the same percentage compared to 1,928 contracts in September 2025.
The number of marketing brokerage contracts for establishments decreased to 13,747 contracts, compared to 16,143 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 15%, despite an annual increase of 18% compared to 11,672 contracts in September 2025.
In the marketing and sales brokerage activity, the number of contracts for individuals reached 6,665 contracts, compared to 7,165 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 7%, while the number increased annually by 15% compared to 5,788 contracts in September 2025.
The establishments also recorded 9,305 contracts in marketing and sales brokerage activity, compared to 10,097 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 8%, and an annual decrease of 1% compared to 9,377 contracts in September 2025.
As for marketing and leasing brokerage contracts for individuals, they decreased to 3,579 contracts, compared to 3,815 contracts in August, with a monthly decline of 6%, despite growing annually by 14% compared to 3,138 contracts in September 2025.
Conversely, marketing and leasing brokerage contracts for facilities rose to 10,360 contracts, compared to 10,250 contracts in August, with a monthly growth of 1% and an annual increase of 19% compared to 8,685 contracts in September 2025.
Auction contracts saw an increase to 340 contracts in September, compared to 182 contracts in August, with a monthly growth of 87%, although it decreased annually by 34% compared to 515 contracts in September 2025.
In the category of other contracts, which includes tenant, buyer and consultants, the number of contracts for individuals was 311 contracts, compared to 345 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 10%, although it was an annual increase of 10% compared to 283 contracts in September 2025.
The number of other establishment contracts also declined to 662 contracts, compared to 692 contracts in August, a monthly decrease of 4%, while the number increased annually by 50% compared to 440 contracts in September 2025.
Twelfth: A decrease in sales and rental advertisements on a monthly basis.
Real estate advertising data showed a decline in the number of sales and rental advertisements during September 2026 compared to the previous month.
The number of real estate sales advertisements decreased to 26,204, compared to 29,275 in August, a monthly decrease of 10%, and an annual decrease of 1% compared to 26,504 advertisements in September 2025.
The number of rental ads also declined to 21,854, compared to 22,633 in August, a monthly decrease of 3%, although the number increased annually by 6% compared to 20,618 ads in September 2025.
Data methodology and sources
The real estate asset trading data included in the bulletin was based on official data issued by the Ministry of Justice and the Real Estate Registry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to what is documented and recorded of real estate sales transactions during the reporting period.
As for the rental sector data, it was based on official data derived from the “Ejar” network, according to the contracts and rental transactions that were registered and documented during the same period.
Regarding data on real estate brokerage activities, licenses and advertisements, the bulletin relied on official data derived from the Real Estate Brokerage Program of the General Authority for Real Estate, according to what is recorded and documented in the approved systems.
The bulletin explains that the calculation of the average transaction value and the average traded areas is based on a statistical processing methodology that relies on data from the month being measured, in addition to data from previous months, excluding outliers according to a specific standard deviation criterion after logarithmic transformation, and excluding any grouping of less than five transactions.
The General Authority for Real Estate confirms that this bulletin is provided for general information and guidance purposes only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, or guarantee. Its content should not be relied upon as the basis for making investment, legal, or operational decisions. The Authority also notes that some data may be affected by the ongoing improvement of processing and calculation mechanisms in various data sources.
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